Updated December 5, 2016 at 8:14 PM;Posted December 4, 2016 at 9:13 PM

Matt Borges

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges and members of the Ohio delegation celebrate after they cast their votes during the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

Timken has been working the phones for several days, according to several Republican sources. She made her intentions clear in a letter sent Sunday to members of the GOP State Central Committee, a 66-member body that will determine Borges' fate next month.

"In fairness to Chairman Borges, this was a difficult year to be Chairman," Timken wrote. "In a Presidential election year, there are many competing obligations that must be balanced. I supported Governor [John] Kasich's two campaigns for Governor and his campaign for President. For many Ohioans, his loss was heartbreaking. Once the nomination was settled, Chairman Borges had the obligation to fully support the nominee and his campaign. He did not, and his actions have divided the state party leadership. This was his choice."

Tom Zawistowski, a Tea Party leader who often clashes with Borges and the Ohio GOP establishment, shared Timken's letter in an email declaring his support.

Timken confirmed to cleveland.com via email that she sent the letter but declined to comment further, "as this election will be up to the 66 members of the committee, and I intend to talk to each of them before talking with the press."

Borges, reached late Sunday, said he plans to seek another term as chairman at the Jan. 6 vote.

"I'll run on my record," he added.

Ousting Borges would require 34 votes, a simple majority of Central Committee members. He expressed confidence that he has enough votes to survive Timken's challenge.

Borges, a longtime GOP operative, has led the state party since 2013 and presided over a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections. Borges also is a close Kasich ally. His elevation came with the backing and blessing of the governor and his political team, and he was a loyal supporter of Kasich's failed bid for this year's GOP presidential nomination.

Kasich ultimately refused to back Trump, citing the New York businessman's incendiary rhetoric and sketchy policy proposals. And Borges often was frank and public with his criticism of Trump while noting that he also had shared his advice with the candidate in private.

She wrote in her weekend letter to committee members that she spoke last week with Trump, "and he agrees that it is time for a leadership change at the ORP." A message seeking comment from the president-elect's transition team was not immediately returned Sunday evening.

"We need fresh ideas on how to finance and grow our Republican Party," Timken wrote. The committee "should have a more active role in developing strategic plans for the ORP. The state party should provide more support for local county parties, elected officials, and candidates. ...

"If elected chairman, there will be no confusion about my loyalties or for whom I serve."